December 18/07 6:39 am - Sears National Kids Cancer Ride

Posted by Editor on 12/18/07

Sears National Kids Cancer Ride

Cyclists looking for the ride of their lives, all for a great cause, should sign up now for the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride.

The Sears National Kids Cancer Ride is a 7,600km journey that will roll across Canada starting from Vancouver on June 2, 2008 and end 19 days later in Halifax. The event hopes to raise more than $2.5 million for various pediatric oncology programs that improve the quality of life for children caught in the battle against cancer.

"We have three main goals for this ride - to help kids and families facing cancer, to create a cycling adventure like no other, and to promote wellness and volunteerism in communities across Canada," said Jeff Rushton, Founder of the Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation, the group organizing the ride. "A committed volunteer corps and strong sponsorship from Sears and other leading organizations will help us direct as much money as possible to the families through Canada's pediatric oncology community in what we plan to make an annual national ride."

This cycling adventure appeals to avid cyclists and those relatively new to the sport. Supporters can apply to tackle the 19-day national route, ride a daily portion ranging between 25-225km, or join in on a more casual 5km community ride near a local Sears store. Of course, signing on as a volunteer is another meaningful way to contribute.

Up to one hundred National Solo Cyclists will go the distance in a fully supported ride that includes food, accommodation, massage, mechanical equipment and more. They will be drawn from several provinces, thus supporting kids fighting cancer in communities across Canada. There is also space for 25 relay teams of six to ten members to take turns along the route. Applications can be found at www.nationalkidscancerride.com.

"So far more than 30 Canadians have committed to being National Solo Cyclists and we are hoping more riders will contact us by early January - especially from Western and Atlantic Canada as well as Quebec, " said Rushton. " We are also welcoming corporate relay teams, sponsorship funds and volunteers. In short, there's a way for everyone to be involved. Call us."

All National Solo Cyclists and Relay Team members will receive training advice from the fitness professionals at Can-Fit-Pro, and will be connected to each other through a supportive network that will encourage local media attention and sponsorship. They will also have personalized web pages to assist with their fundraising effort, The swag is most excellent!, Each of the national riders will receive a wide range of cycling gear and off-bike apparel.

There is the option for the average cyclist to ride along with the National Riders for a single day. In these Stage Cyclists may number in the thousands as they bike between 25 and 225km along a day's route. In return for their registration fee, they will receive food, mechanical support and plenty of encouragement. Stage Cyclists will also receive riding gear and a personalized web page to help them raise money to improve the lives of children with cancer.

Connecting the cyclists to the kids they are helping is a central theme to this national ride. Cyclists will stop at several childhood cancer centres to greet kids fighting cancer, families members, as well as medical professionals, VIPs and members of the media.

Registration for National Solo Cyclists and National Relay Teams closes at the end of January. Registration for Stage Cyclists will be open until a week or so before the June 2 start.

Join this ride of a lifetime - in the fight against childhood cancer - by signing up today as a rider, donor, sponsor or volunteer.

The Sears National Kids Cancer Ride is organized by the Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation, a registered Canadian charity that operates a series of high-quality, physically challenging fundraising events in support of childhood cancer charities across Canada. Besides the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride, their events include Tour For Kids and The Inside Ride.

The Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation is a volunteer-based organization that does not employ professional fundraisers. Through the generous support of corporate sponsorships and partnerships, the Foundation is able to offset operating expenses and, thereby, further its track record of delivering 100% of donations raised to the charities served.